Flows have dropped a little bit compared to a few weeks ago and flows are hanging in there for good fishing. The mornings and evening present the best opportunities for dry fly fishing. Come to the river armed with foam run caddis, parachute Adams and flutter bugs to get your dry fly fix. The dry fly fishing has been hit or miss with PMDs, caddis, spruce moths, and the occasional hopper getting looks, but the nymphing has been consistent and the trout are now very opportunistic. The Upper has been a consistent producer for us lately. The best fishing is early so plan on an early start. On hot sunny days the fishing slows down after 2pm. If you are lucky enough to get some cloud cover it can fish later into the day. The dry fly fishing has been hit or miss but the nymphing has been strong and trout are now very opportunistic.
And as we get deeper into August we get longer and cooler nights! There are still some nocturnal stones around so larger size 6 rubber legs can still produce but trout are now also moving well for larger rabbit strip laden streamers. Trail your favorite big fly with a small caddis in the morning and then transition to a smaller 20-16 attractor nymph behind it. Long leaders when nymphing and fluorocarbon help. Don't let too much slack form between your indicator and flies because Upper Madison trout have a pretty quick spit reflex on your bugs and a quick hook set is key. If you are lucky enough to get some cloud cover it can fish later into the day. There are still some nocturnal stones around so larger size 6 rubber legs can still produce, but trout are now also moving for larger rabbit strip laden streamers. Trail your favorite big fly with a small caddis in the morning and then transition to a smaller 20-16 attractor nymph behind it. Long leaders when nymphing and fluorocarbon help. Don't let too much slack form between your indicator and flies because Upper Madison trout have a pretty quick spit reflex on your bugs and a quick hook set is key. Nymphing is still the best producer day in and day out and it is important to match the hatch on the nymphs too – golden stone nymphs trailed by caddis early, then pmds followed by small attractor nymphs after 2pm is a good bet. The morning fishing has been better than the afternoons most days.
Flies for the Madison Right Now:
Beadhead PTs in sizes 18-22
Juju beatis in flash or tan in sizes 16-20
Rogue Foam Stones in size 4-6
Parachute Adams in sizes 12-18
Royal PMXs in sizes 10-12
Pats Rubberlegs in brown/tan or brown in sizes 8-14
Pheasant Tails in flashback or natural in sizes 10-16
Rainbow warriors in sizes 14-20
The Month Ahead:
The next few weeks should continue to produce some good fishing. The fishing scenario isn't going to change much in the coming weeks from the current report. Terrestrials will become more important and the beetle and ant fishing should improve.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Upper Madison is a very consistent fishery and this season should continue to produce good results up and down the river. The reports listed above should hold out into mid September. Things start to change a bit later in the fall with some baetis mayflies becoming an important factor. Fall fishing is always good on the Upper Madison.